Why do ears feel stuffy after a flight: why it's good to swallow more often, drink water and how chewing gum can help

Air travel is the fastest way to travel today, particularly over long distances, with constantly improving comfort conditions for passengers. But there are some unpleasant nuances, such as stuffy ears after a flight. This uncomfortable sensation can persist for a long time after you have left the airplane. And if you fly often, and every time air travel leaves behind such a "gift"?

Let's find out why it happens, how to safely clean your ears after a flight and what are the main preventive measures to make the flight more comfortable.

Why do my ears pop during a flight?

This problem is quite common and is known as "airplane ear". The unpleasant sensation of stuffiness is caused by the rapid changes in air pressure during flight as the airplane gains altitude or descends. The human middle ear, which is connected to the throat via the eustachian tubes, tries to equalize the pressure difference, but these tiny tubes can't always handle this pressure effectively. Because of this, there is an imbalance between the pressure of the external environment and the middle ear, which provokes the sensation of ear congestion. Sometimes this can be felt as a slight blockage, and at other times as severe ear pain or even temporary hearing loss.

Unfortunately, these unpleasant sensations can persist for long periods, making it tempting to do anything to get rid of them. But it's important to do it safely so that you don't damage your ears. Use these 5 effective and safe methods to help relieve ear stuffiness after a flight.

Yawning and talking

The simplest but still effective ways to start are to yawn and talk to help equalize the pressure in the eustachian tubes.

Drink or eat

The movements we make while drinking or eating are also one of the easiest and safest ways how to clear ear stuffiness after a flight. So if you feel uncomfortable pressure in your ears, drink a bottle of water or have a snack.

Toynbee Maneuver

This method is performed in this way: pinch your nose and make a swallowing motion. This way you create a vacuum in the ear, which helps unblock the eustachian tubes. But do it carefully, so that too strong impact does not aggravate discomfort.

Valsalva maneuver

This method is performed as follows: close your mouth, pinch your nose, and blow gently as you would when blowing your nose. Do this gently so as not to traumatize the inner structure of the ears, but to balance the pressure.

Warm compress

The sensation of stuffiness can also be relieved with a warm compress, which should be applied to the affected ear. The heat will slightly dilate the eustachian tubes, helping to equalize the pressure. Use a damp warm cloth or a heating pad on a low temperature, but don't heat them too much and avoid burns.

How to clean your ears after a flight if you have a cold or infection?

Colds, sinus infections, and ear infections can make post-flight discomfort worse, as these health conditions are often accompanied by sinus congestion. That's why ear stuffing gets worse during illness and flight, and it becomes more difficult to deal with the blockage.

Over-the-counter decongestants and nasal sprays can help relieve inflammation in the nasal passages and eustachian tubes. They can help reduce ear discomfort, but it is important to consult your doctor before using such medications, especially if you have medical conditions.

How can I help my child clear their ears after a flight?

A child's Eustachian tube is even smaller than an adult's, so it is even more difficult for a child's body to equalize pressure. So the problem of stuffy ears after an airplane should be treated with the utmost caution. Therefore, parents often resort to tactics that force the child to swallow often: babies are given to suck on a pacifier, and older children can chew gum or drink water. Breastfeeding or bottle feeding while the airplane is taking off or landing also helps infants. Sucking and swallowing helps open the eustachian tubes, so some of the methods already described, such as yawning, can also be used. The Valsalva and Toynbee methods will also be effective but explain to children that they should be done gently and carefully.

If a child has a middle ear infection or a severe cold, it is best to avoid flying. But if it can't be avoided, consult with your pediatrician or family doctor on how to relieve and minimize your child's ear pain after a flight.

How can I prevent ear blockage during a flight?

Apply some preventive measures to prevent ear stuffiness. They will ensure you have a comfortable flight and help you avoid ear pain.

Help yourself to chewing gum

This is one of the most popular and simple ways to avoid ear stuffiness during a flight: simply chew gum, particularly during takeoff and landing. The actions we perform during this process cause our bodies to produce more saliva, and because of this, we swallow more often. So a pack of gum in your hand luggage is a small but highly effective step towards a flight without discomfort and consequences.

Help the eustachian tubes

Actions that involve opening the eustachian tubes will be a discreet and helpful action to prevent stuffiness. You can do simple procedures like these:

• swallow and yawn frequently, being especially diligent during takeoff and landing;
• drink plenty of water and other liquids to prevent dry throat and increase swallowing;
• practicing actively the Valsalva and Toynbee methods;
• stay awake during airplane takeoff and landing.

Do earplugs help with ear stuffiness during airplane travel?

"Airplane earplugs," or "flight earplugs," were developed specifically as a way to prevent stuffy ears during a flight. These earplugs regulate the flow of air in and out of the ears to give the eustachian tubes more time to adapt to pressure changes.

While such earplugs show some effectiveness, they are not a universal remedy. If you have serious sinus or ear problems, they are not suitable for you. It is worth discussing this in consultation with your doctor.

What should I do if I can't clear my ears after a flight?

If you have ear stuffiness during or after a flight and the methods described above do not help, and the discomfort in your ears persists for several days, you should see a doctor. These symptoms may indicate a serious problem such as ear barotrauma.

Do not try to fix these problems on your own with cotton swabs or put anything in your ears. You should also not try to blow your nose with maximum force. Remember that ear stuffiness is a common and harmless problem, but seek medical attention for persistent stuffiness.